FW: Points of Order on June 9th Resolutions and August 10th Appointments

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From: Sam Bohler <samuel...@lp.org>
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2025 3:00:26 PM (UTC+00:00) Monrovia, Reykjavik
To: Entire LNC <entir...@lp.org>; lnc-public_forward <lnc-publi...@lp.org>
Subject: Points of Order on June 9th Resolutions and August 10th Appointments

Chair Nekhaila,

I believe there are breaches of order of a continuing nature (RONR 23.6) and I am raising two points of order in regards to the LNC meetings on June 9th and August 10th.  I'm not interested in rehashing the merits, but I want to ensure correctness beyond a reasonable doubt and prevent future challenges.

June 9th, 2025 Resolutions

At the June 9th meeting, two resolutions were adopted (regarding fitness for roles in the party and seeking recovery of funds).  These were original main motions under RONR.
LNC Policy Manual §1.02.1 requires that original main motions be either announced at a prior session with their purport entered into the minutes, or circulated with complete text by email at least 5 days before the meeting.
Neither of those requirements were satisfied.  The agenda notice of item "Adoption of Motions Appurtenant to SIC Report" did not include complete text.

Notice rules are there to protect absentee members, and actions in violation of those rules are null and void (RONR 23.6(e)).
I understand that a point of order was made by Mr. Chadderdon during the meeting, and now this is the subject of a JC appeal.  Because this would be a breach of a continuing nature, the point of order can be made again. Although this could be ruled dilatory, I wanted to add my voice in agreement with Mr. Bost, Mr. Chadderdon, Mr. Dassing, Mr. Weir, Mr. Martin, and Mr. Watkins on the point of order that was made in order to give the committee another chance at addressing the procedural issue so we can stop fighting over it.

August 10th, 2025 Appointments

For the August 10th meeting, the notice read "Move to appoint Jessi Cowart to the FSC."  During the meeting, that motion was amended to have Doug Knebel fill another vacancy on the same committee.  The amended motion appointing them both was passed.  I was one of the ayes in fact.  That being said, I remember Mr. Martin bringing up a concern on notice (although he said it might be germane) and I decided to review our policy manual and RONR due to a nagging feeling he might be right.  Although I agree the amendment was germane to an extent, I don't believe it was enough to be within the notice requirement.  The notice was for a specific person to fill a specific vacancy.  This was another person for another vacancy.  Although they were both for the FSC, making it seem germane, they were in fact separate appointments, and Mr. Knebel's would have needed to be properly noticed.  Had the notice read "Move to fill vacancies on the FSC," then the adopted motion could have been in order, but the specificity of the actual notice precludes it. Because the motion was adopted as amended, both appointments become invalid.

I apologize if anyone feels this is dilatory, as that is not my intent.  By addressing these points of order now, we can prevent further appeals and stop the in-fighting over these procedural issues.  I believe we need to hold ourselves to a high standard so there is no question about the fairness or legitimacy of this committee's actions.

In Liberty,
Samuel Bohler
At-Large, Libertarian National Committee

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From: Keith Thompson <keith.t...@lp.org>
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2025 3:13:38 PM (UTC+00:00) Monrovia, Reykjavik

To: Entire LNC <entir...@lp.org>; lnc-public_forward <lnc-publi...@lp.org>

Subject: Re: Points of Order on June 9th Resolutions and August 10th Appointments

My motion to add Mr. Knebel to the FSC was not intended to deprive any member of notice or rights. As we were already filling a vacancy on the committee, I felt amending it to fill the other vacancy on the same committee was germane.

However, there is value in making sure things are done in a way that cannot be questioned. 

While I don't think the SIC resolutions or the appointments were out of order, I appreciate your points of order. I would appreciate the opportunity to move forward in a way that sets members at ease.

Thanks,

Keith Thompson

Region 3 South Rep

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From: Sam Bohler <samuel...@lp.org>
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2025 10:00 AM

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From: Andrew Watkins <andrew....@lp.org>
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2025 3:16:32 PM (UTC+00:00) Monrovia, Reykjavik
To: Keith Thompson <keith.t...@lp.org>; Entire LNC <entir...@lp.org>; lnc-public_forward <lnc-publi...@lp.org>

Subject: Re: Points of Order on June 9th Resolutions and August 10th Appointments

Was a nomination period permitted? 

Andrew Watkins

At Large | Libertarian National Committee

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From: Keith Thompson <keith.t...@lp.org>
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2025 11:13:38 AM

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From: Evan McMahon <evan.m...@lp.org>
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2025 4:42:23 PM (UTC+00:00) Monrovia, Reykjavik
To: Entire LNC <entir...@lp.org>; lnc-public_forward <lnc-publi...@lp.org>

Subject: Re: Points of Order on June 9th Resolutions and August 10th Appointments

Chair Nekhaila,

I was not on the board during the June 9^th meeting regarding the SIC report and the subsequent motions, but I concur with Mr. Bohler that this is a continuing breach that needs remedied. Had the original notice been to adopt the SIC report AND to adopt motions and resolutions recommended in the SIC report I would hold this differently. But the original notice only mentioned the adoption of the SIC report.

While I hold that the motion to amend adding Doug Knebel to the main noticed motion to appoint Jessi Cowart to the FSC was germane and is reasonable to be held in order, I agree with Mr. Bohler and Mr. Thompson that to maintain a working board the strives for fairness, legitimacy, and transparency in our dealings - we should set a higher standard.

I ask you to rule Mr. Bohler's objections well taken and for the LNC to work to remedy these issues. 

Evan McMahon Secretary, Libertarian National Committee ‪(317) 455-6986‬  |  evan.m...@lp.org

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From: Sam Bohler <samuel...@lp.org>
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2025 11:00 AM

To: Entire LNC <entir...@lp.org>; lnc-public_forward <lnc-publi...@lp.org>
Subject: Points of Order on June 9th Resolutions and August 10th Appointments

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From: Steven Nekhaila <steven....@lp.org>
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2025 8:10:03 PM (UTC+00:00) Monrovia, Reykjavik
To: Evan McMahon <evan.m...@lp.org>; Entire LNC <entir...@lp.org>; lnc-public_forward <lnc-publi...@lp.org>

Subject: Re: Points of Order on June 9th Resolutions and August 10th Appointments

Mr. Bohler,

I have reviewed your points of order.

First off, with respect to the June 9th resolutions, it is my judgment that the noticed items in the agenda were sufficiently in scope as adopted.  The notice was for motions appurtenant to the SIC report, which those were.

Second off, my view on the August 10th appointments is that the notice reflected the filling of vacancies on the FSC. All members, including ones that were absent, were aware that there would be appointments to the FSC, which is the basis for the main motion.

However, in the spirit of cooperation, and to allow the LNC to move past these obstructions, I will rule your points well taken, making the June 9th resolutions (fitness and recovery), and the August 10th appointments (Cowart and Knebel) null and void.

I am not conceding the merits of the motions, I am just trying to be prudent.  Ruling this matter well taken will give us an opportunity to edify the record so that there is no reasonable misunderstanding of the LNC's position on these matters.

I am calling a Special Meeting for August 24, 2025, at 7:30PM EST, where we can adopt the resolutions and appointments anew and place these matters to rest.

I am noticing the following:

Resolution 1

Whereas, the Special Investigatory Committee has found that former Chair Angela McArdle engaged in actions that, in the LNC's view, violated fiduciary duties to the Libertarian Party, including concealing conflicts of interest and misusing donor funds;

Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Libertarian National Committee censures Angela McArdle for conduct in violation of the fiduciary duties and ethical standards expected of Party leaders;

Be it further resolved, that the Libertarian National Committee expresses its opinion that Angela McArdle's conduct, as detailed in the Special Investigatory Committee report, reflects behavior inconsistent with the standards expected of those serving in leadership roles of the Libertarian Party or as a candidate representing it.

Resolution 2

Whereas, the Special Investigatory Committee finds that former Chair Angela McArdle financially benefitted from her deception of the Libertarian National Committee;

Be it resolved, that the Libertarian National Committee shall explore fundraising and/or pro bono legal counsel to pursue the recovery of funds, under any legal procedures available, as outlined in this report and any supplemental report(s) produced by the Special Investigatory Committee.

Motion to appoint FSC Members

Moved, that the LNC appoint Jessi Cowart and Doug Knebel to the Financial Standards Committee.

Sincerely,

Steven Nekhaila

Chairman, Libertarian National Committee

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From: Evan McMahon <evan.m...@lp.org>
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2025 12:42 PM

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From: Travis Bost <travi...@lp.org>
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2025 8:39:20 PM (UTC+00:00) Monrovia, Reykjavik
To: Steven Nekhaila <steven....@lp.org>; Evan McMahon <evan.m...@lp.org>; Entire LNC <entir...@lp.org>; lnc-public_forward <lnc-publi...@lp.org>

Subject: Re: Points of Order on June 9th Resolutions and August 10th Appointments

I would like to suggest an amendment or substitution, that the election of Ms. Cowart and the election of Mr. Knebel be conducted separately. 

There was good debate on the individual merits of each candidate, and the amendment to include both of them passed by a very slim margin.

Travis L. Bost

LNC At-Large

Travi...@LP.org

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From: Steven Nekhaila <steven....@lp.org>
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2025 4:10:03 PM